Building industry’s Steve Upton on advisory panel,
Steve Upton of BILD, Tridel named to mayor-elect’s transitional advisory panel
I was extremely proud to learn that my friend and respected colleague, BILD chair Steve Upton, is among a group of distinguished citizens named to mayor-elect John Tory’s transition advisory council. Given Steve’s professional accomplishments and outstanding contributions of leadership and service — well-known throughout our industry — it was no surprise to me that he would be chosen to serve on the advisory council. His career spans more than 40 years in the land development industry and he’s the vice-president of development with Tridel. He’ll play an important role in helping shape our newly elected mayor’s vision for the city of Toronto. I sat down with Steve to talk about his new advisory role that he’s quickly embraced with the same drive, passion and commitment to success that he has demonstrated throughout his career.
What was your first reaction at being chosen for mayor-elect John Tory’s transition advisory council?
I was extremely honoured to have been chosen to represent the industry.
It is an incredible opportunity to engage Toronto’s newly elected mayor in a fact-based and solutions-oriented discussion about issues that are critical to continue building quality, complete, vibrant and affordable communities. Our industry builds to support nearly 100,000 people and 50,000 jobs that arrive in the GTA every year.
As BILD chair, what is your goal in your new role on the advisory council? What are you hoping to achieve? I want to be part of an honest dialogue on the various issues that need to be addressed at city hall, to ensure that our industry can build homes that people can afford to buy and retail space where businesses can remain competitive.
The home-building, land development and professional renovation industry creates more than 71,000 jobs and generates close to $4 billion in wages in Toronto. Our industry is a major economic engine and a partner for this city and surrounding areas.
How will you approach John Tory and the transition advisory council on the issue of affordability for new-home buyers in the GTA?
Building new homes that people can afford to purchase is a considerable challenge for our industry today. I intend to share with mayorelect Tory my experience in bringing new communities forward — and some of the financial challenges facing new-home buyers.
“The SmartTrack plan is a great opportunity to establish proper infrastructure planning and updated zoning along transit lines.”
STEVE UPTON
Additionally, different criteria should be applied to ownership development versus purpose-built rental development. We might start to see more rent-to-own home ownership models in the City of Toronto, which would make it easier for people to afford a home while giving them a sense of pride that comes with home ownership.
What are some of the other key issues you want to bring forward as part of the transition process?
The development approvals process is very complex. It can be just as overwhelming for developers as it is for residents. We can all benefit from greater transparency and accountability when it comes to new policies, plans and new taxation. The SmartTrack plan is a great opportunity to establish proper infrastructure planning and updated zoning along transit lines.
It is also important to streamline the process of issuing building permits so that professional renovators and small businesses can avoid unnecessary project delays while saving homeowners money.
What are your early thoughts about John Tory as Toronto’s next mayor?
John Tory has tremendous leadership abilities and, more importantly, a clear and decisive vision for the city of Toronto and its residents. He is extremely engaged and works hard to understand the various issues facing the city. He has demonstrated his commitment to working collaboratively with the industry and the city’s residents by engaging in various matters of importance.
Do you see a greater role or responsibility for BILD beyond the work on the transition team?
I look forward to many future discussions on how BILD, our industry and our elected leaders can work as partners to build complete and affordable communities that people can be proud to call home. It is extremely important for our newly elected leaders to take advantage of our industry’s wealth of experience and knowledge base on issues that affect the ability for all of us to build great cities. Bryan Tuckey is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association and a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. Follow him on Twitter @bildgta, facebook.com/bildgta, and bildblogs.ca.